Start nasal corticosteroid spray 1-2 weeks early

What to Do

Begin using your nasal corticosteroid spray (fluticasone, triamcinolone, or budesonide) 1-2 weeks before your allergy season historically starts. Use it daily throughout the season.

Why It Works

Nasal corticosteroids need time to build up anti-inflammatory effect in the nasal tissue. Starting before pollen exposure begins means the nasal mucosa is already protected when the first pollen arrives. Studies consistently show better symptom control with pre-seasonal initiation compared to starting after symptoms appear.

Tips

• Track your personal allergy calendar to predict when to start
• Continue daily use even on low-pollen days to maintain the protective effect
• Do not wait for symptoms to start — by then, inflammation is already established
• This is the single most impactful prevention strategy for moderate-to-severe allergies